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decorate definition

deco·rate (dek′ə rāt′)

transitive verb decorated -·rat′ed, decorating -·rat′·ing

  1. to add something to so as to make more attractive; adorn; ornament
  2. to plan and arrange the colors, furnishings, etc. of
  3. to paint or wallpaper to decorate a room
  4. to give a medal or similar token of honor to

Etymology: < L decoratus, pp. of decorare, to decorate < decus, an ornament < IE base *de, to receive, be suitable > decent

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

decorate Synonyms

decorate

v.

adorn, beautify, ornament, embellish, bedeck, deck, garnish, trim, furnish, paint, color, renovate, redecorate, refurbish, enrich, brighten, gild, burnish, enhance, festoon, illuminate, spangle, dress up, trick out, array, emblazon, elaborate, furbish, enamel, polish, varnish, chase, grace, finish, bejewel, encrust, emboss, embroider, beribbon, bedizen, make more beautiful, add the finishing touches, perfect, put up decorations, fix up, deck out*, pretty up*, spruce up*, gussy up*.

decorate implies the addition of something to render attractive what would otherwise be plain or bare to decorate a wall with pictures; adorn is used of that which adds to the beauty of something by gracing it with its own beauty roses adorned her hair; ornament is used with reference to accessories that enhance the appearance a crown ornamented with jewels; embellish suggests the addition of something highly ornamental or ostentatious for effect; to beautify is to lend beauty to, or heighten the beauty of to plant trees to beautify the neighborhood; bedeck emphasizes the addition of showy things bedecked with jewelry


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

decorate Usage Examples

Preposition: with

  • sprig: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan Cheese and decorate with a sprig or two of parsley if any is available.

Modifying Another Word

  • beautifully: These are a few of the endless items we can beautifully decorate inside a balloon.
  • tastefully: Each has been tastefully decorated to a high standard.

Preposition: in

  • shade: Decorated in pastel shades to provide a relaxing atmosphere.
decorate usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"decorate." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/decorate>

APA Style

decorate. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/decorate

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